Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino

Name: Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.9 (47 reviews)

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8 Days from

USD 1,899

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Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 15

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TEH

Discover the best of the Italian Riviera

On the most beautiful coastline in Italy, between the Cinque Terre and bay of Portofino, our base in the seaside town of Moneglia is a real treat. On inspirational walks through hills, woodland and coastal villages, we discover why these areas have earned names such as the Gulf of the Poets. Many of the most iconic trails in Italy are found in the Liguria region and this trip makes a great introduction to the country with ample opportunities for walking, relaxing and sampling delicious food. Better yet, we'll also visit Assirto, one of the finest tavernas in Italy, for an extra-special wine tasting.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Take coastal and mountain paths through olive groves and vineyards
Explore the picturesque and colourful villages of Liguria and the Cinque Terre
Walk from village to village, through forests and spectacular terraced landscapes overlooking the sea
Experience an extra-special wine tasting at the internationally lauded taverna, Assirto

Key Information

Seven nights at the three-star Hotel Piccolo
Five days walking; one free day
Low altitude throughout
Reasonable fitness required
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts, two packed lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request – limited availability)
Visas or vaccinations
Local taxes (approximately €5 per person, see Trip Notes)

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths

Day 2

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 3

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 4

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 6

11 km / 6.8 miles

Day 7

8 km / 5 miles

Responsible Travel

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

On this trip, we spend the week in a family run Hotel Piccolo that employs local staff and uses local produce wherever possible. This ensures that we benefit the local community with providing job opportunities and a chance to generate income.

As a walking holiday, we actively encourage clients to interact with the locals, visit local cafes and bars, support local produce and craft and to experience what life is really like in the seaside region of Liguria.

Water is especially important and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital to not cause too much waste from single use plastic bottles. Tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink hence, we strongly encourage clients to bring their own reusable water bottles to refill throughout the trip.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Itinerary

We begin in the seaside town of Moneglia. In the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean Sea, this picture-perfect town is listed on the I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has won a European Blue Flag every year since 1990 for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered. There’ll be a welcome briefing at the hotel today – a good chance to get to know the group and your expert leader.

Meals Included: Dinner

We take a short train to Deiva Marina in the morning and start our walk through holm oak forests and maquis shrubland. The walk begins with a relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and strawberry trees. Our efforts will be rewarded at the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the promontory of Portofino.

We will then take an undulating trail that offers beautiful views over the Ligurian Sea and leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for lunch. After refreshments, we descend by steps almost to sea level then meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent views of the sea. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the train back to our hotel in Moneglia.

Ascent: 2,513ft (766m); descent: 2,625ft (800m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre, declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997 and part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The best way to explore these charming villages is on foot, and today we will walk the Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five villages.

Today we visit three of the five – Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – and pass old mule tracks, walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves. After completing some steep and rocky sections, we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages built into the rocks facing the sea.

At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia where there will be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner. Please note that some sections of the path may be closed, so we may need to take the train between villages or change the itinerary accordingly.

Ascent: 2,185ft (666m); descent: 2,333ft (711m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming coastal town, where we will begin our hike to the fishing village of Portofino. Celebrated for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world.

Ascent: 1,939ft (591m); descent: 1,969ft (600m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing at the beach. Or you might like to use the opportunity for some sightseeing. Genoa, the capital city of the region, is the home of Christopher Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe. Alternatively, you could spend time in the nearby town of Portovenere – on the Bay of Poets – or use the day to explore the beautiful town of Lucca.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we take a short train ride to Rapallo and the cable car up to the sanctuary of Montallegro (1,969ft/600m). From here, we walk through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian Sea en route to the seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening, we enjoy an extra-special wine tasting at Assirto, an internationally heralded taverna in Moneglia. The experience starts with a sparkling rosé, before we enjoy a sensory journey through a trio of wines. To cap the evening, we'll try passito, a traditional Italian sweet wine made from dried grapes.

Ascent: 591ft (180m); descent: 2,543ft (775m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we head back to the Cinque Terre to walk some of the quieter, alternative trails. The exact path you will walk will depend on local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the classic Sentiero Azzurro, so offer even more spectacular views of the coastline and villages.

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ve taken some of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world this holiday, but now’s the time for one final breakfast before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like to continue the adventure, you can speak to your sales consultant about extending your stay at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

There are no required vaccinations for this trip.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, two packed lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting are included.

Liguria is well-known for its delicious cuisine and classic regional dishes include pasta with pesto or walnut sauce, focaccia bread and, of course, plenty of seafood.

With an abundance of fresh local produce and plenty of restaurants to try in Moneglia, food is a highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Italy, but please inform us when booking.

Please note, neither the hotel nor the restaurants in Moneglia are able to cater for people with severe celiac disease.

Weather

May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. Late June to August departures should expect very warm weather with temperatures over 30C (86F). Late September and October are cooler and can be wetter, however visibility is better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level 3 (Moderate). The walks on this trip are graded moderate. Some walks will get your pulse racing, but we also have plenty of time to rest, admire the views, and, on many days, enjoy swim breaks.

Over the course of the week, the terrain and path type will vary between paved tracks; uneven, rocky and steep steps; and forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. While most walks are manageable for those with a good level of fitness, the walks involve some steep climbs and descents on slightly loose terrain and some have sections on narrow pathways alongside some sheer drops (not recommended for severe vertigo sufferers).

All walks take between four and six hours including lunch stops and require a moderate to high level of fitness as some parts of the walks can be particularly strenuous. On a couple of days, there are sections with a considerable number of steps (more than 500), which make the walks unsuitable for those with knee problems.

Public transport can be subject to delays and some waiting at train stations should be expected. Please be aware that path openings are subject to weather and safety conditions – this may affect the itinerary. Please note that neither the hotel nor the restaurants in Moneglia are able to cater for people with severe coeliac disease.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Helen Gentles

Reviewed May 2023

Great week of walking, great guide.

A wonderful week of great walking, fabulous scenery, lovely hotel, great food in the local restaurants, including a wine tasting – all coordinated by a fabulous guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of highlights - Portofino, walking along the terraces towards Riomaggiore, seeing the Giro D’Italia including Geraint Thomas whizz past on our ‘day off’! It’s lovely to return home feeling relaxed and very fit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela is a superb leader, the best I have come across. She was fun, organised, knowledgeable and constantly looking after the group and each individual.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A certain level of fitness is required for ascending and descending hundreds of steps each day. The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as a result is a popular place to visit. One of our walks was particularly busy with lots of stopping and starting on a narrow path in order to allow walkers coming the other way through. The scenery was spectacular but dealing with such crowds may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’.

Sharon Reuben

Reviewed May 2023

I LOVED this trip

I LOVED this trip…my 10th with Exodus but my first walking holiday, and there was so much to enjoy. The walks were tough and I was nervous; I’m used to walking much further but not used to such steep hills and the many, many steps. But though my legs were often screaming, it was well worth it and I’d highly recommend the trip and the area.

The hotel was nice, rooms simple but had everything I needed, the town we stayed quiet but lovely, the restaurants are all fantastic in the town, and the beach is lovely – and it’s a rare thing for a beach to not be dominated by the Italian ‘beach clubs’ that usually take up most of the best spots.

The wine tasting is a very special evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of Portofino as you come over the headland, walking across the terraces that stretch for miles across the mountains, with a village ahead of you and another behind...the sense of achievement when you reach each one!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela is a fantastic guide; great company, kind and thoughtful, informative and she worked really hard to ensure we got the best from our trip, including being flexible to dodge potential / actual bad weather. She put our safety and enjoyment at the forefront; the paths were very steep and the stones very slippery so I agree, it's not suitable in bad weather. But we got to explore towns we wouldn't have seen, and all her recommendations - for our free time and the final rainy day - were spot on. Every day Michela gave us options; ways you could skip a section, shorten a walk or do something a little different if either an injury or just by choice, you wanted a change from the group walk. This made the whole trip very accessible to everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do bring trekking poles and hiking boots, it's very uneven terrain. It was great to be based in one place - no packing & unpacking - but most of us brought more than we needed! A camelbak or bladder are very handy, to sip water constantly rather than use a bottle. Take note when there are beaches available that day - the water is stunning, so wear or take swimmers ...I was always keen to get my boots off and feet in the water, and would have swum if i'd had my cossie! Some days it's worth grabbing food in Moneglia where we stayed, so you have more time to chill out in the lunch stop...obv some people just wanted to head to a restaurant / bar, but it's nice to chill, head to the water etc as well...Ice cream is good everywhere but obv Michela knows the best spots! Tag days on before / after or both...Pisa has so much more to offer than the tower, and Lucca is stunning, very different and just 30 mins from Pisa by bus or train. Local transport is excellent and cheap, so you can see and do a lot in this region.

Matthew Smith

Reviewed May 2023

What a week - what a guide!

It’s hard to mess up a trip to the Cinque Terre, hut Exodus has really nailed this one. A well-paced itinerary put us in all the right places, and moneglia is a delightful place to stay. The hotel Piccolo is excellent – centrally located, family-run and scrupulously clean, it is hard to fault and somewhere I would happily visit again. One tip: ask for an upgrade when you arrive, the extra cost is definitely worth it. Saving the best to last, however, we were blessed to have Miki as our guide. She was incredibly attentive throughout the week, and was always 2 or 3 steps ahead in anticipating our needs. Hugely knowledgeable about her home region, she also has a great sense of humour, and always seemed to be genuinely happy to be with us. She is a jewel, and turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to identify a single moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed to have Miki as our guide. She was incredibly attentive throughout the week, and was always 2 or 3 steps ahead in anticipating our needs. Hugely knowledgeable about her home region, she also has a great sense of humour, and always seemed to be genuinely happy to be with us. She is a jewel, and turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.

Peter Bowe

All walks were great

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela Wicks was a fantastic leader. Organised, friendly, helpful and fun to be with. The whole trip was seamless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t get the pork in the included dinner at the hotel, it was really bad! Walking to Sestri Levante on the day off was a really good walk in terms of views and paths.

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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